Planning Commission recommends new multi‑unit overlay (Chapter 19.25) for Highlands

The City of Longview Planning Commission on a unanimous vote recommended approval of a new Multi‑Unit Overlay Zone (proposed Longview Municipal Code Chapter 19.25), recommended corresponding amendments to the comprehensive plan map and recommended a zoning‑map change to R‑1 with the overlay for portions of the Highlands neighborhood.

The overlay, described in staff presentation as "Chapter 19 to be called chapter 19 25, the multi unit overlay zone," is intended to allow a limited increase in housing intensity in the Highlands while preserving R‑1 base standards where not modified by the overlay, according to Aaron, staff presenter for Community Development. Aaron said the overlay would allow duplexes as an allowed use and permit triplexes and fourplexes only through special land‑use review by the Board of Adjustment; apartments and boarding houses would remain prohibited.

The commission heard that the proposal was developed after multiple workshops and public hearings: staff reported seven planning commission…